Take the time to heal.
I cant stress this enough.
Our society has conditioned us to quickly get over someone by getting under someone else.
autumnbphoto
If you should probably date someone, date yourself.
Take yourself out, treat yourself as if you were someone you dearly loved and cared for.
Learn the art of self-compassion.
Know that you are worthy and inherently loveable, regardless of your relationship status.
Seek trauma-focused professional support to help process what youve gone through before you move onto a new relationship.
If you have worked on healing andaredating again, learn to trust yourself.
Instead, approach the task of dating with a neutral blank slate whenever possible.
Let someone show who they are through their interactions with you, with others and how they treat you.
In the beginning, have a go at resist projecting your romantic ideals or fantasies onto this person.
Dont assume everyone has a conscience.
Better yet, assume they dont unless theyve proven themselves.
In the timeless words of writer Sherry Argov, always look out for number one…you.
If you see unsavory behavior, note it.
If you feel a gut instinct, allow yourself to honor it.
If it looks too good to be true, sometimes it really is.
You dont have to announce to toxic dating partners that theyre toxic, by the way.
That usually just results in narcissistic rage, retaliation or further attempts to ensnare you.
Instead, quietly observe and let them hang themselves so to speak.
Narcissists cant hide for long.
They always slip andtheir unmaskingwill tell you all you oughta know.
And remember: you dont have to justify your decision.
If youre feeling overwhelmed and retraumatized by dating, it means youre not ready to date.
Dont let a potential partner sweep you into a fairytale romance that can descend into a nightmare.
If a dating partner demands you see them all the time, this is a red flag.
Rather, it may be a sign of trying to control and take over your life early on.
Always be wary of anyone who claims to love you within a few weeks of getting to know you.
Remember that you dont know them either.
Above all, honor yourself and yourinstincts.They could someday keep your life.==
